One year countdown for Asian Cup kick off

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Gabrielle Upton, and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said football fans have just one year to go until Asia’s biggest sporting event, the AFC Asian Cup 2015, kicks off in Australia.

Minister Upton said the Asian Cup will take place over three weeks from 9 January 2015 and will be the largest football tournament ever hosted in Australia featuring Asia’s best 16 nations.

“The NSW Government has secured the best games at one of the biggest events on the international sporting calendar. The Asian Cup will be a festival of football and this time next year NSW will be in the thick of opening celebrations,” Ms Upton said.

“Sydney and Newcastle will host 11 games including a quarter final, two semi-finals and the all-important final on 31 January 2015 at Stadium Australia.

“All eyes will be firmly fixed on NSW as the Socceroos attempt to go one better than second place at the Asian Cup 2011 in Qatar.

“Importantly, the Asian Cup will create a lasting legacy by boosting participation in football in NSW,” Ms Upton added.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said the Asian Cup is another example of the NSW Government delivering on its commitment to position NSW as the major events capital of Australia.

“The Asian Cup will attract more than 45,000 international visitors and be viewed by a potential audience of more than 2.5 billion across Asia,” Mr Souris said.

“These visitors will give the NSW economy a much needed boost, staying at our hotels, eating at our restaurants and visiting our local attractions. I am particularly pleased to see four games in Newcastle, which will give tourists a chance to visit the state’s regional areas.”